Cinnamon Swirl Twisted Bread
Yield: 2 loaves
Cinnamon Swirl Twisted Bread
Ingredients
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
3 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 cup warm water (105-110 degrees)
5-5 1/2 cups all purpose flour
for the filling
4 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
for the topping
1 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup flour
4 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
In mixing bowl dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes. (If you're having trouble with your yeast proofing, add 1/4 teaspoon of sugar. Gives it a jump start.)
In a microwave proof bowl, heat milk, butter, sugar and salt just until butter is melted, it the microwave, about 90 seconds on high.
Stir in milk mixture to yeast. Using the paddle attachment for your mixer, add in 3 cups of flour, blend until all combined.
Switch out to the dough hook and slowly add more flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough is formed. Knead dough in mixer about 7 minutes or about 10 minutes if by hand, until dough is smooth and elastic, adding flour as necessary to prevent sticking.
Place dough in a large greased bowl, cover and let rise about 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size.
For the filling, stir together cinnamon and sugar, set aside.
Using a pastry blender combine topping ingredients until well combined and crumbly. set aside.
Punch down dough then remove from bowl and divide in half.
Using one half of dough at a time, Roll dough out to about 10" x 20", the thinner the better. Lightly brush with melted butter, completely covering the surface. Dust dough with the cinnamon sugar. Starting with the long side of dough, tightly roll dough jelly roll style until you have a long tube of dough. Fold dough in half so ends are together. holding dough with both hands, one hand holding the 2 loose ends, the other hand holding the looped end, twist the dough 2-3 times (like wringing out a towel)
Place twisted dough in a well greased loaf pan. Cover with damp dish towel and repeat with second half of dough. Let rise for about an hour in a warm location.
Using remaining melted butter, brush tops of loaves with the butter then cover with the topping. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for about 40 minutes. Let cool in pan for 20 minutes then carefully remove to racks to cool completely.